McCarthy Creek to Kennicott River (CL II+)
Trip Description
Both our backyard favorites in one run. A nice hike and a short shuttle for 2 classic rivers makes this a very satisfying day of packrafting. Start from the town of McCarthy, hiking up stream on the scenic McCarthy Creek Trail. Views of the creek give hints of the fun to come. Various put-ins 2-5 miles from town, and increasing difficulty the further upstream you go, make this a good challenge-by-choice run. McCarthy Creek is built for packrafts, lots of rocks, lots of whitewater and tons of fun. The confluence with the bigger Kennicott brings colder water and big wave trains. A packraft take-out, a short hike and you’re on a shuttle back to town.
Duration: 6-7hours
Difficulty:
- CL II-III
- A moderately challenging day of hiking and paddling for an intermediate packrafter.
Highlights:
- 1 nice hike, 2 amazing rivers
- A guide excited to share their backyard runs!
- A beautiful hike through the forest
- Variety of boating in wild rivers
- Simple logistics
Trip Details
Terrain Challenges May Include:
- Unstable and rocky hiking surfaces.
- Actively navigating your own packraft in CL II-III rivers.
Who: Experienced packrafters looking for a guide to show them the backyard’s best.
When: Can be booked June 4-Sept 15 based on instructor availability and water levels.
Where: We provide transportation from Kennicott (9:30 pickup), or the Footbridge (9:50 pickup), to the Swimming Hole for a 10am start.
Trip Includes
- Experienced, friendly, knowledgeable guides!
- 4:1 max client to guide ratios.
- Round-trip transportation to and from your local lodging.
- A full array of medical, communications, and technical gear.
- Extra layers if you forgot anything or couldn’t fit it in your luggage!
- For further suggestions on gear you will want to bring from home (this might help you pack for your whole Alaskan vacation!) visit or Trip Planning Page for a gear list.
McCarthy Creek to Kennicott River Pricing
Client: Guide Ratio & Price
*Gear not included, see Packraft Rentals for discounted rates.
1:1 / $600 per person
2:1+ / $395 per person
3:1 / $300 per person
4:1 / $250 per person
5:1+ / $250 per person
$20/child discount each for all children 12 and under on all private day hikes (issued at final payment)
$5/person discount for AK residents & Active Military and family. Valid with current I.D. (Issued at final payment)
Photo Gallery
Click to enlarge
McCarthy Creek to Kennicott River Pricing
Client: Guide Ratio & Price
*Gear not included, see Packraft Rentals for discounted rates.
1:1 / $600 per person
2:1+ / $395 per person
3:1 / $300 per person
4:1 / $250 per person
5:1+ / $250 per person
$20/child discount each for all children 12 and under on all private day hikes (issued at final payment)
$5/person discount for AK residents & Active Military and family. Valid with current I.D. (Issued at final payment)
Trip Description
Both our backyard favorites in one run. A nice hike and a short shuttle for 2 classic rivers makes this a very satisfying day of packrafting. Start from the town of McCarthy, hiking up stream on the scenic McCarthy Creek Trail. Views of the creek give hints of the fun to come. Various put-ins 2-5 miles from town, and increasing difficulty the further upstream you go, make this a good challenge-by-choice run. McCarthy Creek is built for packrafts, lots of rocks, lots of whitewater and tons of fun. The confluence with the bigger Kennicott brings colder water and big wave trains. A packraft take-out, a short hike and you’re on a shuttle back to town.
Duration: 6-7hours
Difficulty:
- CL II-III
- A moderately challenging day of hiking and paddling for an intermediate packrafter.
Highlights:
- 1 nice hike, 2 amazing rivers
- A guide excited to share their backyard runs!
- A beautiful hike through the forest
- Variety of boating in wild rivers
- Simple logistics
Trip Details
Terrain Challenges May Include:
- Unstable and rocky hiking surfaces.
- Actively navigating your own packraft in CL II-III rivers.
Who: Experienced packrafters looking for a guide to show them the backyard’s best.
When: Can be booked June 4-Sept 15 based on instructor availability and water levels.
Where: We provide transportation from Kennicott (9:30 pickup), or the Footbridge (9:50 pickup), to the Swimming Hole for a 10am start.
Trip Includes
- Experienced, friendly, knowledgeable guides!
- 4:1 max client to guide ratios.
- Round-trip transportation to and from your local lodging.
- A full array of medical, communications, and technical gear.
- Extra layers if you forgot anything or couldn’t fit it in your luggage!
- For further suggestions on gear you will want to bring from home (this might help you pack for your whole Alaskan vacation!) visit or Trip Planning Page for a gear list.
McCarthy Creek to Kennicott River
Photo Gallery
Click to enlarge, or use arrows to scroll.
